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"Back to the 50s" with Doo-Wop tours

The entire nation was in celebration. World War II was over and a new optimism pervaded the country. Rock and Roll, automobiles with fins and futuristic features, the space age, plastics, and the "American Vacation" were born in the Rat-Pack era.

The mood of the nation was also reflected in an architectural style called "googie", "populux", or "doo-wop." Plastic palm trees towered over kidney-shaped pools. Whimsical names and flamboyant themes gave the concrete block, similarly styled buildings individual character.

Aqua, orange, pink in vivid imagery bombarded the eye of the motoring public. Neon signs beckoned to travelers, each blatantly attempting to outdo their neighbor.

Disney imagineers took notice of the Chateau Bleu's curves and arches in North Wildwood.

Local business owners gazed at their dated surroundings in a whole new light when Disney "imagineers" visited the Wildwoods for ideas to complete their beach-and-boardwalk-theme hotel. The Doo-Wop Preservation League embarked on its mission to "foster awareness, appreciation and education of the popular culture and imagery of the 1950s in an effort to promote preservation and unique renovations to the 220+ circa 1950s (doo-wop) buildings in the Wildwoods."

Steve Izenour, world renowned architect of Venturi Scott Brown and Associates, headed a study that revealed the Wildwoods to have the largest collection of flamboyant circa 1950s architecture in the nation, now labeled Doo-Wop.

Returning for its second season, a guided Doo-Wop Trolley Tour delights those who appreciate an "American Original."

Tour goers will learn about the shapes, images and symbols, about fractured geography, and about space-age infatuation in this award winning, 45 minute tour.

Trolley tours depart from Schellenger and Ocean Avenues each Tuesday and Thursday in July and August.

For additional details, please call the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts at 609-884-5404.

From The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority